Need some help with my grille guard...

[4Runner93]

Hey guys, I just picked up this guard last night fro $80. The thing is, the guy doesn't have the hardware for it. So my question is, what could I use to attach it? Just get the right measurements and get the bolts from a local hardware store? It looks like a Hunter guard to me and looks like it attaches the same way, so what do you guys suggest?

Also, it has some surface rust on it, so I'll clean that up and planned on doing a black bed-liner spray on it. Opinions?

 

[cj80cruiser]

Most any grade of hardware would work for that because if you hit something substantial its gona bend to hell and back. Many people call those damage multipliers....They are good for looks and holding lights though.

All you have to do is look under your truck at the frame where this would mount up and see what length bolts you will need by adding the thickness of your frame plus thickness of brushguard and add about 1/2 inch to that for your bolt length. If bolts already exist in the mounting holes then it may be long enough to attach brushguard as is...i havent looked under my truck in the front frame region to see what bolts are there or not.

Bedliner? sure, why not if you want to be one of the cool kids. :biggrin2:

 

[xskydivingdudex]

well i know they arent ideal but i disagree with the comment cj and others have previously said bc i have one and well mine has held up great against bushes, branches, shopping carts, ppl that randomly back or hit my car in the parking lot, and ive been in a few small accidents like less then 20mph and nothing has happened to it yet.

 

[cj80cruiser]

well i know they arent ideal but i disagree with the comment cj and others have previously said bc i have one and well mine has held up great against bushes, branches, shopping carts, ppl that randomly back or hit my car in the parking lot, and ive been in a few small accidents like less then 20mph and nothing has happened to it yet.

Well they are called brushguards for a reason, lol. Branches, bushes, and shopping carts are fine but you don't need grade 8 hardware for that so just get what fits.

Peep this though :biggrin2: Brush guards are Damage Multipliers

I'm more of the robust type....to each his own.

 

[4Runner93]

I'm aware of what it could do in a wreck. But I got it for the looks and possibly some Hella 500's later

So, I'll just pick some Underbody coating at Walmart or wherever. But...I'm having difficulty finding where it would go. I can't really find a place in the frame where the approximate place would be. I know, I'm super new to modding and getting hands on with my 4Runner. But I would love to learn and you guys are super helpful and I trust what y'all say.

 

[bak3rme]

you are gunna have to fabb up or find some sort of L shaped bracket. you just unmount the 2 front tow hooks (one hook and other is just a bracket) put up the L shaped brackets, install the bolts that hold the hooks up there and mount the brush guard onto the L brackets and your done.

yea i'd do some kinda cheap rattle can paint job on that b4 i mount it on though...and dont make it too shiney or glossy..just doesnt look right

also . mount on some hella700s, the 500 to me are a tad bit to small and 700 look nice. about 2'' bigger not too big either.

 

[4Runner93]

Hey xskydivingdudex, your guard looks identical to mine. What brand is it, and what do you think about my mounting problem? Is there any way I could see a pic of the underbody of where yours is?

 

[4Runner93]

Ah, looked all around it tonight and discovered it's a Manik guard if that helps anyone. From different pictures, I think it's the Aeries model

 

[topdown4runner]

Here's how the one mounted up on my '99.
The guy who bought it is putting it on a '96, and his frame rail ends are shaped differently than this.
He is going to have to fab up a way to mount it.

Hope this helps...

 

[xskydivingdudex]

wow topdown that looks intense... i see there is bolting and welding.

but ya dude sry i didnt get pics as soon as i thought bc my camera was out of batteries so ill try to get some after work when i get my extra battery in the cam.

 

[4Runner93]

(I'm looking at this on my iPhone 3G, so maybe it's just the screen) it looks like those mounts are welded? Or maybe the entire thing? If so, I'm in trouble :/ I have zero welding skills or availability to one. This has become quite a chore haha

 

[4Runner93]

Well, looks like I potentially got screwed. Me and my dad put it on a jack and mocked up where it would go: The top two brackets are too wide to fit through the grill, they hit right between the grill and headlights. The bottom two brackets are almost about to crush the valence and the brackets would have to be easily 4-5 inches long and curve out to reach the mounting holes. Not quite sure what to do now. I'd sell it, but now I don't know what car it would fit

 

[cj80cruiser]

Where are you located?


I'm trying to find out what top 2 brackets you're talking about.

 

[4Runner93]

Central Texas, just about 20 min's from Waco

I'm assuming those are the stabilizing brackets for lateral movement? I could be wrong though...the one to the left on the pic is hidden but it's there

 

[cj80cruiser]

Central Texas, just about 20 min's from Waco

I'm assuming those are the stabilizing brackets for lateral movement? I could be wrong though...the one to the left on the pic is hidden but it's there

When I had one many years ago I never used those top brackets. You're just gona have to make it fit...If you were closer I'd help you.

 

[xskydivingdudex]

mine came with top mounts also but mine look a little diff and after years of abuse we rigged it differently so it would be much stronger. Sry bout still not being able to get those pics... gf lost the charger for the cam so still trying to find it to get some pics for ya.

 

[4Runner93]

So I guess just take it to a machine shop to make custom brackets? Any idea of how much it would cost?

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

Just a word...

I noticed your front bumper plastic has really seen many better days. It can be gradually restored to black but it's all warped...

I would replace that if I were you since it's cheap and you won't have to deal with a brush guard if you wanna do it now.

 

[Maxil]

Mine looks similar so so these help. It was installed before I bought it so can't go in to details about that. I do know it's a Smittybilt Outland Brushguard.

Maxil

 

[cj80cruiser]

That pic should get you on track. If I had your brushguard I wud just cut it to look like Maxil's so you clear that lower valence if that seems to be a problem and since you're going to paint it then it will look fine.